A Moment of Thanks

While the rest of the world prepares for the onslaught of Turkey Day, I’m actually here in Manhattan, spending the holiday in solitude. My mom was originally going to come up to New York for the holiday, but between a new job and conflicting schedules, we just couldn’t make it work this season. The boyfriend is at home with his family, so I’m tucked into my little apartment in Harlem to reflect and work in solitude.

And by “work,” I mean binge on entire seasons of House of Cards and Orange Is The New Black while I re-organize my closet and put my winter clothes out. Yes, I am THAT far behind right now, you guys. Snow is about to arrive and I’m just now getting around to pulling out the woolen knits. It’s been BUSY. See also: I’ve also not had time to watch any but the first two episodes of this season of Scandal, so clearly THAT’S in order. You wonder why I avoid social media at night. It’s because I don’t want anyone spoiling the shows for me. I’m usually working.

But among the sweaters and my tiny personal roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and onions tomorrow that I plan on throwing in the oven (I don’t like turkey, to be honest,) I’ve got some time to reflect on the things that make me grateful, and so before I shut down for the night from my last deadline today and before I post the Black Friday deals, I thought I would share some things for which I am eternally grateful this year. They’re in no particular order.

I’m incredibly grateful for friends and loved ones this year. They say the best gift you can ever give yourself is to surround yourself with the people who love and support you. Many of them came from Facebook, a lot from the industry, but a few arrived in surprising and lovely ways, and I would count those of you who religiously come back to see what I’m up to among that list. I’m grateful for you. Thanks for being there.

I’m really happy I’ve gotten a chance to travel again. Seattle, The Thayer Hotel in West Point….even quick trips to New Jersey are more than fine with me. More travel is on the docket for 2014. I need to stretch my wings and frequent flyer points more.

Jeff Smith, aka “Giafrese” in a snap I took of him for his own blog, High Class No Cash. Photo courtesy of, you know, him.

I’m grateful for Jeff Smith, aka “giafrese”, the stunning photographer who takes all my outfit photos. I honestly felt incredibly reluctant to do personal style photos, but I hope you see them as inspiration to remix items from your own wardrobe with maybe one or two additions, and that you can do it at every size and price point. Jeff makes those moments possible. He’s a dear friend and, well, you can see how talented he is. Check out his site, High Class No Cash, when you get a second.

I’m happy and appreciative to have understood the importance of wanting what you have. It’s taken me this long in life to grasp that concept. I love my apartment, I get to do what I love, I have clothes on my back and food in my kitchen….and all of those were at one point or another not present for large chunks of time. If you only knew how dark it really got at some points, it would freak you out. I’m thrilled and grateful for every bite of food, the warm heat and the things I have. I want MY life and MY stuff and MY body. I’m healthy and it’s just so awesome. Man, it feels good to say that.

My guy, who is clearly loving this whole “Man of Mystery” thing at the COVERGIRL screening of “Catching Fire.”

Finally, I’m grateful for that certain somebody who came into my life this year. Lucky Guy has made me a very lucky woman, and I’m really excited to see where we go from here. Since he reads all the posts on the site, I won’t embarrass him (or drone on and make you nauseous) but he knows how I feel about him. I love him. I’m happy. We’re…well, lucky.

This is just a quick note to wish you the happiest, healthiest Thanksgiving and Hanukkah. Take some time to reflect on what you have, and then show some love to the people and things around you. We have but once chance.